Lexington County Teen Killed in Car Accident

Byron Martin Jr., 16, was killed in a collision which took place about 10:30 p.m. on Harmon Street.

[Justice]

I am sorry but NO parent should allow their 16 year old kid to be out driving a car at 10:30pm.

Parents always want to make sure their kids are happy.. so they cave in to their sweet little faces/voices and allow them to do almost anything they ask.

They obviously never heard of "tough love"... now because of their inability to say no... they will be planning his funeral. Either way... PRAYERS TO THEM. I hope this was a learning lesson. For whatever reasons... now, they have been given some "tough love"

[Average Joe]

Well, when do we hold the 16 year old responsible for his own actions? He IS legally allowed to drive at night, AND he didn't want to wear his seatbelt, which is against the law, and the was probably exceeding the speed limit which caused him to lose control, unless of course he was busy text messaging or on the phone. Leave the dam n parents alone, and allow these things to take care of themselves like this one did. YOU choose the path to travel, YOU pay the consequences.

[have a heart]

Ever think that maybe this kid was coming home from a part-time job? Have some compassion for this family!!!

[Duh]

10:30 pm is not that late, come on. What should be emphasized here is that he was not wearing a seat belt. When are people going to learn that wearing one will greatly increase your chance of survival in a crash? It's so simple, I just don't get it.

[monica]

how can you people be so cold hearted? it could have happened no matter what time it was!You dont know the circumstances so dont judge! my prayers go out to the family.

[Friend]

Please understand the pain that
both parents are having to deal
with as well as younger siblings and
classmates!
Their younger daughter attends my
daycare, please don't judge! Leave
the judging up to God. This could be
your child! My prayers are with the
family and friends at WKHS!!

[hopkinssc]

I am sorry for the loss the family is suffering. I know how exciting it is to finally receive a drivers lisence; I was young ounce. My parents refused to let me get mine at 16. Being a bit older (and wiser) than a teenager now, I understand thier reasoning. Going into the military right after graduation, it was required. So, at 18 I got mine.
Please, if you are a teen reading this, your parent(s) loves you and want you to live a long fruitful life. Take care and BUCKLE UP!

[Michelle]

Many thoughts and prayers to this family!

[Just me]

To Justice: In a situation like this, it is easy to "judge" others motives for doing things. Regarding death, justice without compassion is legalism.

To 1134 sex educator: The Bible says, "be kind and compassionate to one another." I did not sense that in your tone. Examine yourself.

To Average Joe: This family will have to live with the consequences their precious son chose. You don't know whether he ws speeding, texting, or talking. It sounds like you want to encourage his parents, but you sound very discouraging about towards their CHILD. Think about how your words sound to grieving parents and siblings.

To have a heart: THANK YOU!

[eddie at lexngton]

Please Pray for them dont judge.

[none]

He was awesome kid and a wonderful son!

[none]

Don't you think they are feeling horrible enough.

[My Two Cents]

I was never home before 10:30 when I was 16 because I had a JOB!

My prayers go out to the child's family.

[Sherri]

My thoughts and prayers are with this family. My 15 year old son died in a truck accident this past May. His dad and a friend were in the truck with him. All were wearing seatbelts. The accident happended at 6:50 in the afternoon. Anything can happen at any time of the day. This family has a very difficult time ahead of them as I am still hurting, even after 5 months, from the loss of my son. Their road to healing will take a long time. Please don't be so harsh to judge this family.

[SP in SC]

To all of you: You are all forgetting that there has been an innocent life lost here. Who cares how or for what reason this situation occured. No matter what the circumstances are, these parents will never see their child again. They will never get to go to another of his baseball games, never hug/kiss him, never put him on restriction, never hear his voice...the list could go on and on. Put yourself in their shoes. Would you want people condeming you for what you did/did not do for your children or would you want them standing by your side lifting you up in fervent prayer? I think you all need to replace the time you are spending judging these people with a time of prayer for them to be able to cope with this loss and the long road that lies ahead for them.

[Justice]

Just me wrote:

To Justice: In a situation like this, it is easy to "judge" others motives for doing things. Regarding death, justice without compassion is legalism.
To 1134 sex educator: The Bible says, "be kind and compassionate to one another." I did not sense that in your tone. Examine yourself.
To Average Joe: This family will have to live with the consequences their precious son chose. You don't know whether he ws speeding, texting, or talking. It sounds like you want to encourage his parents, but you sound very discouraging about towards their CHILD. Think about how your words sound to grieving parents and siblings.
To have a heart: THANK YOU!

JUDGE?... did you not read the part where I stated "for whatever reasons?"...I wasn't judging... simply giving my opinions.

[A friend of the family]

Byron was a great kid and loved his family very much! He had a positive impact on people he came in contact with -- young or old. He was a good student and a gifted athlete. His life, albeit brief, should be celebrated. Pray for his parents and sisters ... they will miss him terribly, as will we.

[Alma]

I do believe parents have to take some meassure of responsibility for what their teenage drivers do. My daughter went out with a friend and he is 16 and driving. I asked did he wear his seat belt. He said sometimes. She was not allowed to go with him. Later he started to wear his seatbelt after I stressed the importance of it. I spoke to him recently and he says he wears it all the time now. I believe you just have to keep doing what you can to enforce the law.

[underhay]

tragic. good luck to the family.

[Alma]

and just because he wears it all the time now still does not qualify him to have her ride with him. He could just be saying that to get her to ride.